5th round of talks between farmers, Govt ends in stalemate

New Delhi, Dec 5: The fifth round of talks between government and farmers’ representatives here on Saturday also ended in a stalemate with both sides agreeing to meet for the sixth round on December nine.
Farmers leaders stuck to their demand of repeal of the three farm laws.
They said they would go ahead with the December eight Bharat Bandh announced earlier.
The meeting on Saturday began at 1430 Hrs and ended at 1700 Hrs.
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar told reporters after the meeting that the government had assured the farmers that MSP would remain.
He said the government had told the farmers that they expected concrete suggestions from them and it would be easier for the government to come to an amicable solution.
He reiterated the central government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare and their interests and said there would be no letup in that.
The Minister appealed to the farmers to send their elderly and children who are participating in the agitation, to their homes because of severe cold and Covid pandemic.
Some farmers leaders said after the meeting that ”on the request of all stakeholders’ it was decided that the next round of talks would be held on December nine.
They said the government wanted to bring in amendments to the three laws but the farmers want nothing less than repeal of the laws.
”The Ministers left for ten minutes and came back saying they want some more time to consult their seniors. It was decided that they would meet again on December nine and that day they would go back with a clear yes or no.”
They said the Ministers would send a ”concrete proposal” on December nine. The proposal would be discussed by the farmers leaders after which a meeting would be held.
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said the government will prepare a draft and give to the farmers. This draft would be discussed by the Kisan leaders with other states also. He said discussions were also held on Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The farmers’ leaders said they had made it clear to the government that the laws would not benefit farmers but would help corporates.